Hatch recently received an Award of Merit in the infrastructure category from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Manitoba (ACEC-MB) for the Portage Diversion pre-2011 flood assessment project. Nominees were judged on application of technology, social/economical/environmental impact, complexity and owner/client needs.

The Portage Diversion protects Winnipeg and the area along the Assiniboine River downstream of Portage la Prairie from annual spring flooding. Prior to the 2011 flood, the maximum safe operating capacities for the Assiniboine River and Portage Diversion control structures and their respective downstream channels were uncertain.

Hatch was retained by the province of Manitoba’s Infrastructure and Transportation department to complete a flood control infrastructure assessment for the Portage Diversion prior to the spring freshet. The scope of work included determining control structure risk, operating capacity and hydraulic capacity. Hatch also provided ongoing support to the province in its flood fighting efforts during the 2011 spring flood. The team applied modern semi-quantitative risk assessment techniques and employed numerical modeling using GIS technology to identify and prioritize emergency works.

The project began in January 2011 and was substantially complete in April 2011. The Winnipeg office participated in the project.